Burma Update: October 6, 2008

Highlight

• Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (Burma) and United States Campaign for Burma: New Report Documents Huge Increase in Burma Political Prisoners, In Defiance of UN Security Council
  
• AAPP and USCB: Open Letter to the UN
• AAPP and USCB: The Future in the Dark: The Massive Increase in Burma’s PoliticalPrisoners, September 2008 (Report)
  

News from Burmese Media

• The Irrawaddy: Burma Demands Attention: General Assembly President
• Narinjara News: Lighting Kills Four in Naypyidaw
• Kaladan Press Network: Prison labour for extra income in Buthidaung jail
  
• Mizzima News: U.S. recognizes universal jurisdiction over child soldier cases
• The Irrawaddy: Forced Labor Used in Delta
• The Irrawaddy: Arrests, Restrictions Hamper Cyclone Relief Work
• The Irrawaddy: Detained Activists Protest against Trial Conditions
• The Irrawaddy: Border Security Tight after DKBA Attack Thai Village
• Chinland Guardian: DFID Hailed For Its Response To Food Crisis In Chin State
  
• Kaladan Press Network: Burmese refugees robbed by local goons in Teknaf
  
• Kachin News Group: Putao residents are not allowed to use timber
• Kachin News Group: Laiza residents forced to accept medicine
• Khonuthung News: Customs in Kalay overcharge overseas job hunters
• Democratic Voice of Burma: Five jailed on USDA threat charges now released
• Democratic Voice of Burma: Troops abduct 19 for military recruitment
• Mizzima News: Burma to have football academy in Mandalay
• Mizzima News: Prisoners' families demand presence in court and regular prison visits
  
• Mizzima News: Burma destroys 16 tons of contaminated milk powder
  

News from Regional/International Media

• Monstars and Critics: Myanmar junta leader Maung Aye to visit Bangladesh Tuesday
  
• Vietnam News Agency: Vietnam to exploit oil and gas in Myanmar
• China Daily: Myanmar steps up development of contract farming zone in Yangon
• The Peninsula: Myanmar dissident has no regret after 19 years in prison
  
• Borneo Bulletin: Rights groups call for action over jailed Myanmar dissidents
  
• Xinhua Online: Myanmar cycling team to take part in ACC Track Asia Cup 2008 tournament
  

Opinion and Others

• Democratic Voice of Burma: A new constitution for a blossoming political society - Aung Htoo
  
• Wahington Post: Backlash From Tainted Milk Scandal Spreads to Burma - Blaine Harden
• The Cutting Edge: Burma's Muslim Rohingya Minority Dwell at the "Brink of Extermination" - Benedict Rogers
• Democratic Voice of Burma: The pro-junta militia: how can they do it? - Gemma Dursley
  

Petition

• US Campaign for Burma: Send a Message to UN Secretary General
• Burma Democratic Concern: Implement 1990 Elections Result in Burma